Edinburgh has some of the world's best free museums. The National Museum of Scotland alone could occupy an entire day, and the art galleries house masterpieces you'd pay handsomely to see elsewhere. Here's your guide to free culture in Edinburgh.
Major Free Museums
National Museum of Scotland
FREEChambers Street • 10am-5pm daily
Allow 2-4 hours
Scotland's most visited museum with collections spanning natural history, science, world cultures, and Scottish history. See Dolly the Sheep, Lewis Chessmen, and the rooftop terrace views.
Tip: The Scottish galleries on floor 1 are the highlight. The rooftop terrace has castle views.
Scottish National Gallery
FREEThe Mound • 10am-5pm daily
Allow 1-2 hours
Scotland's finest art collection from the Renaissance to Post-Impressionism. Works by Botticelli, Vermeer, Monet, Van Gogh, and major Scottish artists.
Tip: The basement Scottish galleries are often overlooked but excellent.
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
FREEQueen Street • 10am-5pm daily
Allow 1-2 hours
Faces of Scottish history in a stunning Gothic building. From Mary Queen of Scots to modern celebrities. The building itself is a work of art.
Tip: Look up at the Great Hall ceiling - it's spectacular.
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
FREEBelford Road • 10am-5pm daily
Allow 1-2 hours
Two buildings (Modern One & Modern Two) with Scottish and international modern art. Beautiful grounds with sculpture. Worth the walk from city centre.
Tip: The grounds and sculpture garden are free and lovely for a walk.
Smaller Free Museums
Museum of Edinburgh
Canongate (Royal Mile)
Local history museum in a 16th-century building. Edinburgh's story from prehistory to present. See the original Greyfriars Bobby collar and bowl.
Don't miss: Greyfriars Bobby's collar
Writers' Museum
Lady Stair's Close (Royal Mile)
Dedicated to Scotland's literary giants: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. In a beautiful 17th-century building.
Don't miss: Burns' writing desk
Museum of Childhood
High Street (Royal Mile)
World's first museum dedicated to childhood. Five floors of toys, games, and childhood memorabilia from the 1800s to present.
Don't miss: Vintage toys and games
People's Story Museum
Canongate (Royal Mile)
Life and work of Edinburgh's ordinary people from the 18th century to present. Housed in the historic Canongate Tolbooth.
Don't miss: Social history of the city
Surgeons' Hall Museums
Nicolson Street
History of surgery and medicine. Not for the squeamish - includes pathology specimens. The dental collection is particularly fascinating.
Don't miss: Medical history (free on certain days)
The Queen's Gallery
Holyrood
Rotating exhibitions from the Royal Collection. While the Palace charges, the Gallery has occasional free exhibitions.
Don't miss: Royal art collection (check for free days)
Free Art Galleries
City Art Centre
Market Street
Edinburgh's principal art gallery for touring exhibitions. Mix of free and ticketed shows - check what's on.
Fruitmarket Gallery
Market Street
Contemporary art space with changing exhibitions. Small but always interesting and thought-provoking.
Talbot Rice Gallery
University of Edinburgh
University gallery with contemporary art and historic collections. Often shows emerging Scottish artists.
Dovecot Studios
Infirmary Street
Working tapestry studio with gallery exhibitions. Watch weavers at work and see textile art.
Visitor Tips
- ✓Donations are appreciated but not required - give what you can
- ✓Many museums have free guided tours - check at the desk
- ✓Special exhibitions within free museums may charge
- ✓The National Galleries are connected by a free shuttle bus
- ✓Most museums are closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day
- ✓Download audio guides to your phone - many are free
- ✓Rainy days are busiest - visit on sunny days when crowds go outside
- ✓The gift shops are free to browse and have great Scottish souvenirs